Annotation

Purpose: Marine pollution represents one of the most significant environmental threats facing the modern world, caused by a complex interplay of criminal factors and conditions, rather than merely by industrial development and the exploitation of marine resources. Based on the research conducted, this article identifies the main factors contributing to criminal marine pollution, analyses the legal and organisational mechanisms for its prevention, and outlines the prospects for the application of modern technological means of environmental monitoring. Particular attention is paid to the use of artificial intelligence technologies, satellite monitoring, unmanned aerial vehicles and autonomous surface vessels, underwater robotic systems, and digital twins of maritime infrastructure facilities. Methodology: This article employs both general and discipline-specific research methods, including the systems approach, comparative law and formal legal analysis, which have enabled a comprehensive examination of the criminogenic determinants of marine pollution and the existing legal mechanisms for its prevention. Conclusions. It has been established that marine pollution is the result of both the high anthropogenic pressure caused by societal development and factors and conditions linked to crime. The problem of the consequences of marine pollution is highlighted. In this regard, the issue of preventing marine pollution has become a significant criminological problem, requiring a comprehensive analysis of the causal factors underlying environmental crimes. Of particular importance in the current context are technological measures to prevent marine pollution, including the use of artificial intelligence, underwater robotic systems, satellite monitoring and others. Scientific and practical significance. The key elements of the causal factors underlying criminal pollution of the marine environment have been identified, and promising avenues for improving the system for its prevention have been outlined. The proposed measures may be utilised in the development of legislation in the field of environmental safety and in improving the work of law enforcement agencies.